Significant figures

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What are significant figures?

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Significant figures are the digits in a number that contribute to its precision. This includes all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in the decimal portion.

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How do you determine the number of significant figures in a number?

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To determine the number of significant figures, count all non-zero digits, any zeros between significant digits, and trailing zeros in a decimal number. Leading zeros are not counted.

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How many significant figures does the number 0.00456 have?

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3 significant figures.

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How many significant figures does the number 100 have?

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1 significant figure (unless specified otherwise, such as in scientific notation).

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How many significant figures does the number 100.0 have?

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4 significant figures.

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When multiplying or dividing numbers, how do you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

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The result should have the same number of significant figures as the measurement with the least number of significant figures.

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When adding or subtracting numbers, how do you determine the number of significant figures in the result?

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The result should be rounded to the least precise decimal place of any number in the operation.

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What is the result of (12.470)(271) expressed with the correct number of significant figures?

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3.37 x 10^3.

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What is the result of 24.28 + 12.5 expressed with the correct number of significant figures?

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36.8.

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What is the result of 129.6/3 expressed with the correct number of significant figures?

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4 x 10^1.